Outsiders' money defines campaigns in Michigan

12:28 AM,
Jul. 21, 2014

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With less than four months until Election Day, Michigan's top races have largely been defined not by the candidates, but by the millions of dollars being spent by outside groups - much of it coming from shadowy, patriotic-sounding organizations that often mask their donors, if not their political intentions.

And their influence is growing.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a watchdog group, said independent groups like Americans for Prosperity, Freedom Partners, Ending Spending and Senate Majority PAC had spent nearly $14 million so far on TV ads to influence ...